LL8: Social Emotional Development 2-"Development of Shyness and Sociability"

When dealing with the Development of Shyness and Sociability, it is clear that there is a big difference between being shy and being sociable, especially for a child no matter the age level. As I read the article in the book, I found plenty of findings based on neurobiological correlates of shyness and sociability and child-rearing practices.

First of all, I did my findings on two 4-month old babies by the names Larry and Mitch. Jerome Kagen has a laboratory in which he does his observations on various experiences of which are not familiar. As he conducted his research on both of them, he started taking note that both children didn't act the same. When seeing things of which usually would fascinate kids such as a moving mobile filled with colored toys, there will be one baby who will be fascinated and while the other baby will get to fussing. Larry was so scared to the point he moved around and started crying. On the opposite side, Mitch stayed where he was by being cool, calm and collected at all the fun and excitement all around him.

As they grew up to be toddlers, both boys went back to the laboratory in which there were more procedures done in order to further induce uncertainty. One of the procedures were electrodes being placed on each body so that the heart rate can easily be measured. While in the room, everyone and everything came in the room from toy robots to unexpected strangers behaving either an unexpected way or wore costumes. Once again, Larry cried a little bit and moved away while Mitch laughed at everything and approached everyone so friendly.

On their final visit at 4 and a half years of age, Larry hardly ever talked to the interviewers concerning anything at all. On the other hand, Mitch enjoyed himself by approaching everything and everybody from the little children to the stranger concerning the interview. He also made friends...and fast too!

With that being said concerning longitudinal research, Kagan did some more studies on children. However, this time it was on Caucasians. He came to the conclusion that around 20% of four year olds like Larry, gets upset all too easily while another 40% like Mitch love to experience new people as well as many other things.